The study is expected to be completed in November, with results forming the basis for the final sales confirmation, system designs, project structure and delivery schedule. The work is spearheaded by the VRB project management and engineering team with deliverables including drawings, reports, structural layouts and controls descriptions. The fee received for performing the study was $95,000.

"The study will help us identify the appropriate size VRB-ESS for Kotzebue's wind/diesel hybrid generation system that currently uses 17 wind turbines to augment its existing 11.5 MW of diesel generators," says Brian Beck, vice president of business development at VRB Power Systems. "The VRB will be used to improve system stability and efficiency of generators, as well as allow for the deployment of additional wind turbines and reduce fuel usage and related green house gas emissions."